Historians studying medieval agricultural techniques have traditionally argued that the adoption of the heavy plow in northern Europe served as the primary catalyst for economic expansion during the High Middle Ages. By turning the rich, dense clay soils of the region more effectively than the lighter scratch plow, the heavy plow purportedly raised crop yields significantly. However, recent quantitative re-evaluations of estate records suggest that this technological innovation alone cannot account for the observed demographic growth. Rather, the widespread implementation of three-field crop rotation, which increased arable land utilization and restored soil fertility through legumes, played a far more decisive role in sustaining population increases.
Which of the following best describes the primary function of the sentence 'However, recent quantitative re-evaluations of estate records suggest that this technological innovation alone cannot account for the observed demographic growth'?
- It introduces a qualification to a prevailing historical claim presented earlier in the passage.Cevap
- BIt presents empirical evidence that directly supports the traditional view of medieval agricultural growth.
- CIt summarizes the main conclusion regarding the definitive superiority of crop rotation over all other historical innovations.
- DIt strongly denounces early historians for fabricating historical records regarding medieval farming techniques.
- EIt proves that demographic expansion during the High Middle Ages was entirely independent of agricultural productivity.